Bulger’s heart problems shouldn’t delay trial

Much is being made of a Boston Globe story reporting that James “Whitey” Bulger’s medical problems could delay the start of his June 6 trial.

Apparently, 83-year-old Bulger was recently examined by doctors at Jordan Hospital in Plymouth for an irregular heartbeat.

As far as I can see, though, there’s nothing to suggest that U.S. v. Bulger won’t go off as planned.

In fact, it’s far more likely that any future continuances would be the result of a ruling from the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Bulger’s motion to have trial Judge Richard G. Stearns recused from the case. The court has had the recusal motion under advisement since Jan. 8.

In order for the trial date to be pushed back due to medical reasons, the court likely would have to be presented with evidence, under oath, from a doctor who would have to opine that Bulger is suffering from some type of condition that would make it impossible for him to stand trial.

Defense attorney J.W. Carney Jr. has told Stearns on numerous occasions that he expects to be ready to go on June 6.